On 01/25/2010 03:39 PM, Alexander Hollins wrote: > unfortunately, space elevator research has stalled due to a lot of > issues with voltage differentials in the upper atmosphere. The last > test I heard of of stretching a ribbon between the ground and leo, > after it got about 5 miles long, it vaporized in a discharge, acting > as a ground. not pretty.
I don't recall that. I know the tethered satellite experiment done on the Shuttle failed with a burned cable, but I hadn't heard of any further work with long tethers after that. I'd be interested in hearing more about the 5 mile cable drop-and-fry from LEO, if you have a link to more info. > > On Mon, Jan 25, 2010 at 1:34 PM, Jed Rothwell <jedrothw...@gmail.com> wrote: >> If the space elevator people succeed the rest will be easy. I would include >> the elevator advocates and experimentalists in the top ranks of those >> promoting space travel. >> >> I don't know how much support NSS is giving elevators but they should be a >> top priority. NASA, unfortunately, gave the elevator people the frozen boot >> years ago, in favor of retro-design rockets. >> >> - Jed >> >> >
